Talking to reporters after inspecting facilities for pilgrims at the holy sites on Wednesday, he said the kingdom has deployed about 100,000 security personnel on Haj duty this year.

"We don't have any information (about threats) but we have taken all precautions to face anything, whatever be its size," he said.

"Our security forces are fully prepared for any eventualities and we hope the sanctity of this event would be respected and nobody would try to undermine its security," he added.

Prince Nayef welcomed the pilgrims on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Sultan. "We wish all of them an acceptable and rewarding Haj," he said.

Prince Nayef, who is chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, urged all pilgrims, including those from within the kingdom, to abide by all rules and regulations.

"We have taken all measures to prevent those who do not carry Haj permits from entering the holy sites," he said. However, he said it would be difficult to prevent illegal pilgrims from going to the Holy City of Makkah.

Prince Nayef, accompanied by Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al Faisal and Prince Muhammad bin Naif, assistant interior minister for security affairs, also visited the camps of special security forces.

Prince Nayef confirmed reports that Saudi authorities had increased the number of Haj visas issued to Palestinian pilgrims.

"We hope all of them will be able to perform Haj this year. We'll welcome them even if they arrive on the 8^th of Dhul Hijjah (December 7)," he said.

He said the government would not accept agencies that provide services to foreign and domestic pilgrims inflating costs. "The rent for tents is well-known, but the prices charged by Haj agencies are very high and must be reviewed," he said, and added that the government would give utmost importance to this issue.

Lt-Gen. Saeed Al Qahtani, director general of public security, said this is the first year that a special Haj and Umrah security force would be deployed.

He said Haj pilgrims will not be allowed to use portable tents at the holy sites this year.

"Tents used by some pilgrims who squat on the streets disrupt the movement of pedestrians, obstruct traffic and cause inconvenience to pilgrims, especially those trying to reach the Jamarat for the stoning ritual," he said.

He called on Tawafa establishments and the companies that are taking care of domestic pilgrims to do their best in preventing people from squatting, which is against the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who has stressed the importance of keeping roads clean and traversable.

He said the small empty areas at the holy sites are there for pedestrians and service cars. "Pilgrims should not squat on streets, as they may harm themselves and others," Al Qahtani said.

habib@khaleejtimes.com

By Habib Shaikh

© Khaleej Times 2008

 

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